McCollum Encourages Minnesotans to Utilize Newly-Launched Health Care Information Resources
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
New Website Gives Consumers Essential Health Care Information
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman McCollum (MN-04) announced the launch of HealthCare.gov - an online, comprehensive resource for health care. This new website contains clear and concise information to help guide small businesses and individuals through the complex process of shopping for health care coverage.
HealthCare.gov was created as part of the new health care law signed last March by President Obama.
"From college students to seniors to small businesses to parents, HealthCare.gov gives all Minnesotans the critical information they need to take control of their health care and access quality, affordable coverage," said Congresswoman McCollum. "This is the first website to offer information on both public and private health care options, and it will help Minnesotans find insurance options and compare quality of care. Most importantly, HealthCare.gov informs all Americans on what this new law will mean for them."
The most useful tool on HealthCare.gov is the insurance options finder. First, prospective health care insurance buyers supply a few pieces of background information - state of residence, age range, and current insurance status. Second, the insurance options finder will generate a list of both public and private health insurance options based on this information. Third, contact information for each insurance plan is displayed so consumers can reach out to potential providers. In October 2010, HealthCare.gov will also include pricing information.
The health care insurance options finder has a database of over 3 billion scenarios with information from more than 1,000 insurance providers and over 5,500 insurance products. HealthCare.gov also has hundreds of pages with new content, including the health care law implementation timeline and individual state information for people with pre-existing conditions.
"Armed with critical information, consumers are now in a better position than they were a year ago to make well-informed decisions about their health care coverage," concluded Congresswoman McCollum. "The insurance options tool puts control back in the hands of Americans - where it should have been all along."
Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.
####